Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October in the United States and many other countries. The month is marked by pink ribbons, fundraising events, educational campaigns, and screening drives run by hospitals, nonprofits, and health organizations. If you are looking for screening, support groups, or information about breast cancer, October is when the most visible resources and events are available—though screening and support exist year-round.

The month began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical company. It has since grown into a global observance, with October 19 designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Day by the United Nations. In the United States, the President typically issues a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Key Takeaways

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs every October and features screening events, fundraising, and educational resources across the country.
  • Many hospitals and community health centers offer free or reduced-cost mammograms during October, though you can schedule screening any month.
  • Support groups, hotlines, and educational materials are widely promoted in October but remain available throughout the year.
  • October is a good time to learn about your own risk factors and talk to your doctor about when screening makes sense for you.

Where to Find Screening During October

Many hospitals, imaging centers, and community health clinics run special screening events in October. Local health departments, the American Cancer Society, and organizations like Susan G. Komen often coordinate these events and can tell you what is happening in your area. You can search for events by entering your zip code on the American Cancer Society website or calling 1-800-227-2345.

If you do not have insurance or cannot pay for screening, October events sometimes offer free or sliding-scale mammograms. Some states also run breast cancer screening programs year-round through their health departments, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These programs serve uninsured and underinsured women and do not require a referral from your doctor.

What Happens During a Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for cancer or other changes. You stand in front of the machine while each breast is compressed between two plates. The compression lasts a few seconds per image, and the whole appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will feel pressure and possibly discomfort, but it is not painful for most people.

After the mammogram, a radiologist reads the images and sends a report to your doctor within a few days. Your doctor will contact you with results. If the radiologist sees something that needs a closer look, you may be called back for additional imaging or an ultrasound. A callback does not mean cancer—many findings turn out to be benign.

Who Should Get Screened and When

Screening recommendations differ based on age and risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 have the option to start annual screening, women ages 45 to 54 should get annual mammograms, and women 55 and older can switch to every other year or continue annually. Women at higher risk—because of family history, genetic mutations, or other factors—may need to start earlier or get additional imaging like MRI.

Talk to your doctor about your own risk factors and what screening schedule makes sense for you. Your doctor can also discuss whether you should be tested for genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly raise breast cancer risk. October is a good time to have this conversation, since resources and information are widely available.

Support and Information Resources Available Year-Round

While October sees the most public attention, support groups, hotlines, and educational materials exist throughout the year. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Susan G. Komen all run hotlines staffed by people who can answer questions about screening, diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer. These services are free and do not require insurance.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, support groups—both in-person and online—connect you with others going through treatment or recovery. Many hospitals have social workers who can refer you to groups specific to your stage, type of cancer, or situation. Cancer.gov, run by the National Cancer Institute, has a searchable database of support services by location.

How Breast Cancer Awareness Month Affects Healthcare Access

October brings increased visibility and funding to breast cancer screening and support. Many nonprofits run fundraising campaigns that support free screening programs, research, and patient services. Some employers and insurance plans also promote breast health during October, sometimes offering free or reduced-cost screening to employees.

However, screening availability and cost do not actually change in October—what changes is awareness and promotion. If you miss October events, you can still find screening through your doctor, your local health department, or community health centers. The CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program runs year-round in all 50 states and can direct you to low-cost or free screening regardless of the month.

What to Do If You Find a Lump or Have Concerns

If you notice a lump, dimpling, discharge, or other change in your breast, contact your doctor right away. Do not wait for October or a scheduled screening. Your doctor will examine you and may order imaging to determine what the change is. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only a doctor can tell you for certain.

If you do not have a regular doctor, you can go to an urgent care clinic or call your local health department for a referral. If cost is a barrier, community health centers offer breast exams and imaging on a sliding fee scale based on income. Some hospitals also have financial assistance programs that cover imaging if you meet income requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free mammogram in October?

Many hospitals and nonprofits offer free or reduced-cost mammograms during October. Search for events in your area through the American Cancer Society website or call 1-800-227-2345. If you are uninsured, your state's breast cancer screening program (funded by the CDC) may cover the cost year-round.

Do I need a doctor's referral to get screened?

No. You can schedule a mammogram directly at most imaging centers without a referral. If you do not have a doctor, community health centers and hospital imaging departments can schedule you. Some programs do require a referral, so ask when you call.

What if I cannot afford a mammogram?

The CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides free or low-cost screening in all states. Call your state health department or visit their website to find a program near you. Community health centers also offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Is October the only time I can get information about breast cancer?

No. Hotlines, support groups, and educational resources run year-round. The American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345), National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Cancer.gov all offer information and referrals any month. October simply has more visible campaigns and events.

What should I do if my mammogram shows something abnormal?

Your doctor will contact you with results and next steps. Many abnormal findings are benign. If additional imaging or a biopsy is needed, your doctor will explain what to expect. Ask your doctor to connect you with a patient navigator or social worker if you need support understanding your results.